Every student enrolled at Manchester Victoria College will be required to take an English test during the first week of study. This test is part of the orientation process.   If the students go on to study a subject other than English and the teacher in charge of the course thinks that the student does not have a good enough level of English to fully understand the course, the student will have to take an English course at our centre until they can improve their level of English sufficiently to enable them to continue. (They will take at least 3-5 hours of ...

Every student enrolled at Manchester Victoria College will be required to take an English test during the first week of study. This test is part of the orientation process.

 

If the students go on to study a subject other than English and the teacher in charge of the course thinks that the student does not have a good enough level of English to fully understand the course, the student will have to take an English course at our centre until they can improve their level of English sufficiently to enable them to continue. (They will take at least 3-5 hours of English Lessons per week).

 

We are confident that if this happens, we will be able to improve your English as quickly as possible and you will be able to continue with your chosen course of study. Our English teaching staff are dedicated to helping the students speak English to the very best of their ability.

 

This requirement is designed to help the students, as a good level of English is essential to take full advantage of our subject courses.

Manchester Victoria College does not provide accommodation; students will need to look for their own accommodation. However, we do have a large number of homestay connections, and we can help our students to find the homestay accommodation that best meets their requirements. Homestays are available and useful for students of any age, from 16 to 60, but they are not ideal for every student and every situation. Homestays are probably most helpful for students coming to the UK for the first time who are interested in having a safe, family environment in which to: practice English; get used tolife in a ...

Manchester Victoria College does not provide accommodation; students will need to look for their own accommodation. However, we do have a large number of homestay connections, and we can help our students to find the homestay accommodation that best meets their requirements.

Homestays are available and useful for students of any age, from 16 to 60, but they are not ideal for every student and every situation. Homestays are probably most helpful for students coming to the UK for the first time who are interested in having a safe, family environment in which to: practice English; get used to
life in a different country; learn about English Family life and values; interact with people of different ages and share their own culture and interests.

Homestay students must be willing to make an effort to communicate and cooperate with others and accept the rules and preferences of the families with whom they live. For example, most homestay families do not allow smoking in their homes. Because of the additional responsibility involved, students seeking a homestay should be mature, stable individuals who are good-natured and flexible. Such students will have a positive and memorable homestay experience.

 

There are many other benefits of a homestay. First of all, a homestay allows students to use English all the time. Students learn to communicate effectively with native speakers in a natural setting. Secondly, living with a family provides a quiet atmosphere for study and a greater sense of security for some students. Thirdly, a homestay exposes students to a rich variety of cultural learning opportunities, such as family activities, holiday celebrations, religious practices, sporting events, etc. finally, and perhaps most importantly, a homestay often results in students developing deep, lasting friendships with their host families. Such a personal connection gives many students a real sense of stability in their lives here in the UK.

If you need a homestay, please contact the college 4 weeks prior to your course start date and we will be only too glad to make the arrangements for you. The price for a homestay is about GBP 100 – 130/week, including breakfast and dinner.

Below is a useful link about private halls in Manchester for students to consider:

 

http://www.manchesterstudenthomes.com/private-halls

Health and Safety Policy 1. Introduction This document is intended to help all those who will be concerned in maintaining a high profile in respect of health and safety. It clearly defines individual responsibilities; gives detailed action to take in the case of emergencies and highlights areas, which are particularly hazardous. Some sections will not be applicable to all staff.   2. College Safety Policy It is essential that everyone in the College is aware of, and becomes familiar with, procedures for dealing with matters concerning health and safety, such as emergencies and the treatment of injured persons. This document will not itself produce ...

Health and Safety Policy

1. Introduction

This document is intended to help all those who will be concerned in maintaining a high profile in respect of health and safety. It clearly defines individual responsibilities; gives detailed action to take in the case of emergencies and highlights areas, which are particularly hazardous. Some sections will not be applicable to all staff.

 

2. College Safety Policy

It is essential that everyone in the College is aware of, and becomes familiar with, procedures for dealing with matters concerning health and safety, such as emergencies and the treatment of injured persons.

This document will not itself produce a safe working environment; this will be achieved by the full co-operation of staff and students.

A. Organisation of Safe Working Conditions in College

The Corporation has delegated responsibilities regarding Manchester Victoria College to the Principal. The Principal accepts these responsibilities and insists that the following matters are dealt with on a continuing basis:-

A1. Safety Inspection

Actions will be conducted to ensure a safe and healthy working environment. This will be achieved by inspections of the working environment carried out regularly by the appropriate Head of Section or his/her delegate. A record of each inspection will be kept and remedial action taken. 

A2. Fire Notices

These notices will be displayed in all classrooms, offices and on notice boards throughout the College. All students will have their attention drawn to the fire notices during induction week. Fire drills will take place at regular intervals with a minimum of one per term. A record of these drills is maintained in the Fire Log, located in the Health & Safety Coordinator's office. All new staff and students will be informed of what to do in the case of fire by their respective Head of Section, their Course Manager or the College Health & Safety Coordinator. All staff must know how to use the fire equipment in their work area and must ensure that students know the fire procedures and can carry them out. At intervals, the College Health & Safety Coordinator will arrange demonstrations for the use of fire fighting equipment for staff and students.

A3. First Aid

Details of the College's first aid facilities will be displayed on notice boards. Rooms containing first aid boxes will have the white cross on a green background sign. A list will be displayed of all those holding recognized First Aid Certificates. Only those with appropriate qualifications can administer first aid policy.

A4. New Hazards

Any new plant, products, equipment or premises will be risk assessed by the Head of Department and the College Health & Safety Officer and the risk assessment implemented before the plant, products, equipment or premises are used.

 

B. Safety Reporting

B1. Health and Safety Representatives

Each Department (as defined by the membership of the Health & Safety Committee) will nominate a Health & Safety Representative to attend the Health & Safety Committee. The functions of the Safety Representative are:

1. To communicate to the Committee any complaints by any employee he/she represents relating to that employee's health, safety or welfare at work.
2. To promote health and safety in the workplace.
3. To attend meetings of the Health & Safety Committee to which he/she has been appointed and to produce written reports to that committee as requested.

B2. Hazard Reporting

Any suspected hazard will be reported to the Head of Department who, after investigation, will bring the matter to the notice of the Health and Safety Coordinator or, in his absence, the Senior Manager responsible for health and safety without delay. Any employee whose work involves a hazard is authorized to cease the activity concerned until the hazard has been reported and the Head of Section confirms or rejects the action taken.

B3. Accidents

It is the policy of the College to take all reasonably practicable steps to avoid accidents occurring. In the event of an accident, the first concern will be the care of the person or persons who have suffered injury. The accident will be reported to the persons detailed on the incident report form. The reporter shall ensure that adequate arrangements are made for the care of any injured persons. It will be policy to investigate all accidents, including those not involving injury, and the Health & Safety Officer who will report the result of the investigation to the College Health & Safety Committee will make arrangements for the investigation.

B4. Safety Rules/Codes of Practice 

Certain safety rules are essential to ensure the health and safety of the employees who work in the areas to which they relate. This applies particularly to the laboratories, workshops, refectory, kitchens, fire precautions, some activities at the farm and equine and all activities associated with firearms. Such rules as are considered necessary will be drawn up in consultation with representatives of the employees and will be attached to this document as codes of practice.

B5. Contractors on Site  

Separate procedures are laid down for contractors and visitors to site and are attached to the main Health and Safety Policy.

B6. Hazard Identification

All activities, processes, substances and work places must be risk assessed under the direction of the Managers identified within this policy. 

B7. House-keeping

The College attaches importance to the need for good housekeeping practices. It is policy to ensure that floors are kept free of anything that may cause slipping or tripping and that no waste materials, which could cause injury if trodden on, are allowed to remain where they fall. Items stored on shelves will be stored in such a way as to ensure that they do not cause injury to anyone working in the vicinity or to anyone passing by. Rubbish will not be allowed to accumulate in any working area and passageways will be kept clear at all times.

B8. Special Hazards

Portable electric mains operated equipment will be used only where this does not entail trailing power leads across walkways. Inflammable liquids will not be permitted in any room in the College in quantities that are in excess of that required to meet immediate needs and no radiant heat source will be used in any circumstances in which such use could incur a risk of fire or explosion.

B9. Maintenance and Inspection of Machinery

It will be the policy of the College to ensure that all equipment and machinery used by the College should be maintained in accordance with the instructions issued by the manufacturer. Where manufacturers' instructions are not available, the Head of Department will seek advice from the Health & Safety Coordinator to obtain such advice as may be needed for preparing those instructions. No maintenance will be carried out on any equipment or machinery while it is in use and it will be the responsibility of the operator to ensure that all power operated equipment is isolated from the source of power before maintenance work begins and that power is not restored until after the person who carries out the maintenance gives formal notification that the maintenance work has been completed. Head of Department will keep relevant records. 

 

C. Individual Responsibility 

C1. The Principal is responsible for: 

1. Devising any amendments to the College Health & Safety Policy as may be necessary, and enforcing the requirements of this policy
2. Allocating staff, funds and materials within the approved College budget or from central funds to meet the needs of the health and safety requirements of the College.
3. Appointing a Senior Manager to be responsible for establishing and maintaining an effective policy for health and safety within the College.

C2. Heads of Major Risk Assessment Areas

1. Will be designated, along with the areas they control for health and safety purposes, by the Principal and names and areas will be attached to the Health and Safety Policy and displayed on Notice Boards.
2. Will assist the Principal in establishing and maintaining an effective policy for health and safety at work within their designated areas.
3. Will be responsible for the risk assessment of all activities, processes, substances and work places within their designated area.

C3. Academic Managers are responsible to head of the Major Risk Assessment Area for:

1. Complying with all relevant legislation particularly that contained in "Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999".
2. Implementing the College's safety policies and procedures within their departments and work areas
3. Alerting the Health & Safety Committee of any item of safety equipment that may be required
4. Assisting in the investigation of accidents
5. Consulting regularly with the Health & Safety Coordinator, ensuring defects are rectified, and machinery and equipment adequately maintained 

C4. Teaching staff are responsible through their Head of Department for:-

1. Ensuring that the work of the College is carried out in accordance with the College Health & Safety Policy and its Codes of Practice
2. The safety of students whilst they are in their charge, whether in or outside the College
3. Ensuring that clear safety instructions and warnings are given.
4. Personally following safe working procedures and observing general safety regulations
5. Ensuring that the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations are adhered to.
6. Reporting accidents immediately using the College report form and completing the necessary and appropriate accident forms
7. Ensuring that, in the event of a serious accident, nothing is disturbed at the scene of the accident, except as might be necessary for the removal of a casualty
8. Initiate first aid as appropriate

C5. Students are responsible for:

1. Co-operating in keeping a tidy and safe working environment
2. Observing College Health & Safety regulations
3. Being appropriately dressed for the activity undertaken
4. Ensuring that they take the necessary safety precautions in the use of all equipment, premises and materials
5. Reporting any accidents immediately to the Lecturer in charge of their class or to any appropriate member of the College Staff.

D. Accidents to Students and Staff 

D1. If the accident is relatively minor and the casualty is moveable, the person in charge should arrange for the casualty to be taken to the Nurse or for a first aid person to attend.

D2. If the injury is more serious: Call an ambulance

D3. First aid boxes are available in all work places on the College Administration Office.

D4. First Aiders list will be posted on Notice Boards and amended as necessary.

D5. First aid should only be administered by a qualified first aid person and or appointed person.

D6. All accidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Coordinator as soon as possible with information of action taken and treatment given.

D7. It is the responsibility of the person in charge when an accident occurs to fill in the Accident Report Book and Forms as soon as possible after the accident.

 

E. Health and Safety Training

Steps will be taken to ensure the staff and students are up to date regarding health and safety. Training will be managed by the line manager and coordinated by the Staff Development Manager.

 

Selection & Enrolment Selection and enrolment at Manchester Victoria College is carried out in an ethical and responsible manner. Individual interviews are conducted to ensure applicants meet the entry requirements, are well informed about our courses and provide the opportunity to identify any special arrangements the applicant may have. Learning and assessment Manchester Victoria College provides a flexible and equitable process for learning and assessment maintaining a balance between the needs of each individual and the capabilities, and resources of the institute. While the face -to-face classroom format is the main teaching mode, students may have the opportunity to enhance their learning and assessments ...

Selection & Enrolment

Selection and enrolment at Manchester Victoria College is carried out in an ethical and responsible manner. Individual interviews are conducted to ensure applicants meet the entry requirements, are well informed about our courses and provide the opportunity to identify any special arrangements the applicant may have.

Learning and assessment

Manchester Victoria College provides a flexible and equitable process for learning and assessment maintaining a balance between the needs of each individual and the capabilities, and resources of the institute.

While the face -to-face classroom format is the main teaching mode, students may have the opportunity to enhance their learning and assessments through web based resources and presentations and role-play activities, class excursions to experience real-life scenarios.

 

Student Complaints and appeals procedure

Manchester Victoria College endeavors to create a positive learning environment and provide student support services which are free of coercion, unfair treatment and harassment of students. Students are encouraged to achieve their personal best through the provision of valid learning and assessment tools and methods that are most suited to their diverse needs. Manchester Victoria College has a fair and open Complaints Policy to address student complaints and appeals, and ensures all outcomes are on record in writing.

Disciplinary procedures

All Students enrolled in and participating programs or using the services of Manchester Victoria College are expected to maintain appropriate standards of conduct at all times. Where behaviour is deemed to be improper or inappropriate, Manchester Victoria College will take appropriate action as outlined in the Manchester Victoria College’s Student Disciplinary Policy.

Staff responsibilities for access and equity

All staff at Manchester Victoria College abides by the principles of access and equity and ensures that they behave in a non-discriminatory manner as outlined in the Staff Handbook and Practice. Equity issues are discussed in consolidated at a management level whilst updates and changes to equity legislation are communicated at manager's meetings and through the Occupational Health and Safety committee. Where a student has a concern regarding their treatment, the student should refer to the Student Complaints and Appeals Procedure.

Fees and Charges

Manchester Victoria College will charge a range of fees and charges for programs and courses in relation to market demand. For information on individual course fees please contact our student service officer Janey Wu at janey.wu@mvcuk.org.

 

Manchester Victoria College will issue refunds as per the conditions outlined in the Manchester Victoria Colleges Student Refund Policy. To apply for a refund, please submit a completed Refund Application Form.

Student deferral, suspension and Cancellation of enrolment

Student enrolment can be deferred, suspended or cancelled in limited circumstances by Manchester Victoria College or by the student. When deferral, suspension or cancellation of enrolment is initiated by the institute, students have the right to appeal the decision.

Student Code of Conduct

Manchester Victoria College promotes a productive and harmonious learning environment. The student code of conduct seeks to establish the college's guiding principles and practices for the management of student discipline and welfare while encouraging tolerance and respect for culture, gender, religion, race and disability.

Visa renewals

For further information regarding visa renewals, please refer to the Home Office UK Border Agency at www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk.

Student course progress

Course progress is monitored regularly and student support is offered to students who are not progressing satisfactorily. Where a student does not satisfactorily meet course requirements for two consecutive periods of study or the attendance is below 80% within 10 studying days they may be reported to the Home Office UK Border Agency and their students’ visas will be cancelled.

Change of course preference

A student may apply to change their course preference prior to and after they commence their course depending on course availability. To apply for a change of course preference, please contact with Administration Office or the course Coordinators.

Pre-arrival The information below is to help you prepare for your journey to the UK. You will also find basic information about travelling to the UK and what to expect on arrival, along with details about some of the welcome services available to all new international students. The international Student Services team at Manchester Victoria College is committed to providing help and support for international students as well as accurate information and guidance. We aim to ensure the best possible service from the moment you apply to the College until you leave. If you are arriving at the College at the beginning of ...

Pre-arrival

The information below is to help you prepare for your journey to the UK. You will also find basic information about travelling to the UK and what to expect on arrival, along with details about some of the welcome services available to all new international students.

The international Student Services team at Manchester Victoria College is committed to providing help and support for international students as well as accurate information and guidance. We aim to ensure the best possible service from the moment you apply to the College until you leave.

If you are arriving at the College at the beginning of a semester (September, January or April), here are some of the services you can make use of:

• Airport pick-up service from Manchester International Airport (first year students only)
• Induction programme for all international / EU students
• Social activities
• Manchester Victoria College “Students Handbook” a useful resource which you will receive upon arrival at the College

Before you Travel

It is very important that you provide the International Admissions team with your travel information, even if you do not think you will need help on arrival. This will help us to ensure all new students get the right support when they need it. Please advise the International Admissions team of your travel information at info@mvcuk.org or call 0161 226 1900 Please also complete the international travel information form to help us with your requirements

If you want the College to help with your accommodation requirements on your arrival, either temporary or permanent, then you must contact our Accommodation Officer Janey Wu, janeywu@mvcuk.org in plenty of time before you travel.

Arriving at Manchester airport

You should only make your travel arrangements when you have received your student visa. Travel to Manchester airport, as this is the nearest airport. The College can provide a taxi collection service for our international students from Manchester airport but you must give us at least 7 days notice of full travel details: flight numbers, dates and times of departure plus airport, and dates and times of arrival plus airport terminal.

When travelling, do not bring a large amount of cash but make sure you bring enough money with you to live on for the first 4 weeks at least. (Travellers cheques are the safest method, when travelling). Approximately £500 should be enough to pay for accommodation and food as it could take up to 2 weeks to open a bank account.

Items that are Illegal to Bring to the UK

Do not bring any food, plants or animals from your own country, which are considered illegal in this country. Some foods and plants that are considered legal in your country may in fact be illegal in the UK.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs provides information on the website on what it is safe to bring to the UK.

Induction Programme

Manchester Victoria College runs an induction programme on arrival to the College. The programme is designed to assist you with the practical side of living in the UK and studying at Manchester Victoria College. The induction programme normally runs during the first week before the start of your course.

The main objectives of the induction programme are to:

• Familiarise students with the College facilities and College staff
• Assist students to get to know Manchester
• Give you the opportunity to meet other international students
• Help you to open a bank account and register with local doctor
• Provide you with information about life in the UK
• Help students to enrol in the College

The induction programme is very important and we recommend all students attend. It will provide you with the information and advice needed to help you:

• Get settled in Manchester
• Look after your money
• Look after your health
• Learn about cultural differences and how to cope with them
• Learn about the help available to you at the College

We will try to resolve complaints informally and quickly between the relevant parties, and only start a formal process (i.e. letters, evidence, documentation and formal decisions etc.) if that fails. We will provide an opportunity for a review of a formal decision on the grounds of unfairness, unreasonableness, or procedural irregularity, but we will not allow complaints to be re-presented at higher levels just in order to seek a different outcome. We aim to operate a complaints system which: - is conducted fairly and reasonably- follows clear straightforward written procedures- is evidence-based- comes to a clear conclusion without unnecessary delay- gives reasons- ...

We will try to resolve complaints informally and quickly between the relevant parties, and only start a formal process (i.e. letters, evidence, documentation and formal decisions etc.) if that fails. We will provide an opportunity for a review of a formal decision on the grounds of unfairness, unreasonableness, or procedural irregularity, but we will not allow complaints to be re-presented at higher levels just in order to seek a different outcome.

We aim to operate a complaints system which:

- is conducted fairly and reasonably
- follows clear straightforward written procedures
- is evidence-based
- comes to a clear conclusion without unnecessary delay
- gives reasons
- provides appropriate redress
- provides an opportunity for review if the above standards have not been met

Complaints will be treated seriously and students will not suffer any disadvantage or recrimination as a result of making a complaint in good faith. Complaints should not be made frivolously, vexatiously or with malice, and we will not investigate them.

 

Grounds for complaint might include:

• Dissatisfaction with standards of academic provision (for example, resources, facilities and information provided to you about your course).
• Dissatisfaction with the quality of tuition
• Dissatisfaction with the qualify of agents’ services 
• Failure to meet obligations (such as those set out in the Prospectus, the Student Contract, the Equality Policy, etc – or those promises or assurances that may have been given to you on an individual basis).
• Deficiencies in standards of service (which might include problems with support facilities such as administrative service).
• Harassment, bullying and victimisation
• Other deficiencies in the quality of your learning experience.

(Some complaints, which are not included in above also acceptable according to the circumstance and situations)

 

Making a Formal Complaint

 

 

Students can make complaint concerning any aspect of learning during their study period addressed in writing to the Principal, Dr. Y Xu. (yanzhong.xu@mvcuk.org).

We assure all students of Manchester Victoria College who make a complaint that their case will be considered and the principal will take the necessary action with regard to the complaints.

Disability Statement Manchester Victoria College (MVC) welcomes applications from students with specific learning difficulties and disabilities (SplDD). We are committed to a policy, which allows, as far as possible, for equality of opportunity and access to higher and further education. Central to this policy is the following statement, which is contained within the Charter of the College:   No discrimination on account of disability, race, gender or belief shall be shown against any person in determining whether such a person shall be admitted as a Member of the College, or appointed to its staff, or shall hold any advantage or privilege thereof.   For the ...

Disability Statement

Manchester Victoria College (MVC) welcomes applications from students with specific learning difficulties and disabilities (SplDD). We are committed to a policy, which allows, as far as possible, for equality of opportunity and access to higher and further education. Central to this policy is the following statement, which is contained within the Charter of the College:

 

No discrimination on account of disability, race, gender or belief shall be shown against any person in determining whether such a person shall be admitted as a Member of the College, or appointed to its staff, or shall hold any advantage or privilege thereof.

 

For the purposes of this statement, definitions of disability are set by the Higher Education Funding Council for England and Wales (HEFCE) and include specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia. This is an area of support that the College is also committed to resourcing and developing.

 

The College's Disability Statement aims to outline our provision for students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties. Central to our provision is our Disability Co-ordinator who- along with a team of advisors- oversees the development of the provision. If you have any queries as a result of reading this, please do not hesitate to contact our team on info@mvcuk.org

 

With the active involvement of both staff and students, provision is constantly being developed and improved, to add to the learning experience of all our students. Our Disability Strategy is closely linked to our teaching and learning strategy to ensure access to the curriculum. It is therefore important that we are aware of your needs so that, where possible, we can work with you to help support you.

Disability Equality Scheme

MVC values its diverse community. In order to maintain that diversity, MVC aims to ensure that all policies, procedures and practices do not disadvantage or exclude on grounds of disability.

 

MVC is committed to viewing ‘disability’ from the ‘social model’ perspective and aims to implement the scheme using a rights-based approach to equality for disabled people.

 

Our aim is to understand and dismantle the barriers, which exclude and limit the life chances of disabled people and MVC is therefore committed to ensuring the appropriate reasonable adjustments are made to allow equality of access to all MVC’s activities. MVC expects all its staff, students, suppliers, contractors and visitors to endorse this commitment and to behave accordingly.

Confidentiality

Applicants and current students are not obliged to inform MVC that they have a disability and /or Specific Learning Difficulty, however all are encouraged to do so in order that we can provide the best and most appropriate advice and guidance possible.

 

If you are an applicant, any information you provide will be passed to Admissions Tutors and the Management Team and will be acted on only if we think that additional support will need to be arranged. Any provisions will be discussed with relevant staff and with you. You will also be asked on the admissions questionnaire if you will give us permission to pass on the information to those whom may need to know about your disability. We would advise you to allow this to happen in order to ensure the most appropriate support is discussed with you when you begin your course.

 

If you are currently a student here at MVC, and wish to declare your disability or specific learning difficulty, then you are encouraged to do so at any point during your studies. The sooner you do so the better.  Whilst declaring your situation may not be an action you wish to take, we assure you that any information you give to a member of the Management Team will not be passed on. Your advisor will need your signature to authorise any further actions that may need to be taken.

 

Information will only be passed on if it indicates harm to yourself or to others.

 

The Management Team can also act as a point of disclosure for you; by disclosing to your adviser, you will not need to outline the nature of your disability to others if you do not feel comfortable to do so.

Complaints

If you have a complaint about the Disability Service, please put it in writing to Dr.Yanzhong Xu, (yanzhong.xu@mvcuk.org) Principal of MVC. For more information, see Complaints Procedure.